New York Governor Spitzer Signs Erie Canal Bill

Designates Buffalo and Albany as Historical Ends of Canal

August 22, 2007 -- New York Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced that he has signed legislation designating Albany and Buffalo as the eastern and western ends of the Erie Canal. The designation acknowledges the canal's original endpoints.

When construction of the Erie Canal concluded in 1825, the canal spanned 363 miles from Buffalo to Albany. In 1905, the state undertook an extensive expansion project to enable the canal to accommodate larger vessels. The modern Erie Canal was re-opened in the early 1900s, with its navigable ends at the Hudson River in Waterford and the Niagara River in Tonawanda, where it remains today.

"The Erie Canal was the catalyst for economic growth that helped make New York what it is today," said Governor Spitzer. "More than 180 years after its opening, the Erie Canal remains a powerful symbol of the ingenuity and entrepreneurial sprit that New York embodies. It is important to recognize the canal's impact in its entirety by acknowledging its historic starting points and its influence in shaping those communities."

"The legal recognition of Buffalo as the terminus for the Erie Canal as an economic development and marketing tool dovetails with the state's comprehensive plan to revitalize and transform the Buffalo Inner Harbor District," Governor Spitzer added. "It also will help bolster the City of Albany's north waterfront redevelopment strategy and possibly provide access to critical federal funding."

Assemblymember Sam Hoyt, sponsor of the legislation, said: "History-themed redevelopment and tourism will be a vital part of our efforts to revitalize Buffalo's waterfront. By signing this bill, Governor Spitzer has once again shown his commitment to restoring the Western New York's place in history -- a clear path to improving the future of Western New York."

Senator Neil D. Breslin, sponsor of the legislation, said: "I am extremely pleased with Governor Spitzer's decision to sign this bill officially designating Albany as the eastern terminus of the Erie Canal and Buffalo as the western terminus. Not only will this change reflect historical accuracy, but it will generate interest in the canal and increased tourism for the state."

Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown said: "I applaud Governor Spitzer for signing this important legislation that confirms what we have always known to be a fact -- that the City of Buffalo is the historic western terminus of the Erie Canal. This state law helps our continuing redevelopment of our historic portion of Buffalo's waterfront, which will attract residents of our region and tourists who recognize the historical significance of this area."

Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings said: "As Upstate New York continues its redevelopment efforts, I am extremely pleased that our great Capital City will now be poised to link the Erie Canal designation with and to our efforts for development of our north waterfront. Economic commitment, coupled with an increase in tourism, bodes well for the City of Albany and the entire Capital Region."

Source: New York Governor

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